The Backlash against Affordable Housing

In a New Jersey township, officials are trying to prevent a court-issued mandate to move forward with an agreement to build a 75-unit affordable housing development near shops, restaurants and a NJ transit stop. For many that reside here in Millburn Township, residents are asking to Judge to pause the mandate, based on the premise that the value of their property will decrease if supply is increased significantly. And more importantly, people fear that low income goes hand in hand with crime. So homeowners generally feel that there is nothing to gain with additional affordable housing, and everything to lose.

Like elsewhere, New Jersey officials are trying to create over 200,000 affordable housing options for both middle and lower class individuals. Often times, individuals in many towns believe that affordable housing is directed only to the homeless, former addicts, those recently released from prison. But more often than not, recent college graduates with entry level jobs cannot afford housing in most suburban or metropolitan areas. Young families or single parent households are often left without any affordable options. In fact, affordable housing might actually decrease crime rates, because it addresses one of the biggest burden of low income families: the cost of rent.

One particular option could be building apartments that are not pure-residential buildings. If you’re constructing a low-rise apartment building, put some jobs/shopping directly in the building. Maybe some office space too. Commercial tenants can pay market-rate rents, which can help buffer the budget for the building. In addition, this makes the building more acceptable to those living there. Stick in a coffee shop or other locally used storefront that gives townspeople something to use and it will gain more acceptance. Affordabilty should not necessarily translate to poor housing and crime, just varying levels of cost.

Until next time…